SEPARATING THE SPIRITUAL FROM THE PHYSICAL
THE HIDDEN MEANING
INTRODUCTION
In these next scriptures, we at VAL-TE’ believe means trusting that ultimate justice and consequences happen beyond human control, so you focus on living righteously now, accepting that good deeds bring rewards (like peace/heaven) and bad ones have serious, permanent outcomes (separation/hell), with God/the universe as the perfect, all-knowing judge who balances everything out in the end, bringing fairness to suffering and holding everyone accountable for their choices. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12: 9-21 NKJV
Biblical Word
VENGEANCE IS MINE – Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Galatians 6: 7-8 NIV
Reference
1 Peter 2: 20-21 – For what credit is there if you endure the beatings you deserve for having done wrong? But if you endure suffering even when you have done right, God will bless you for it. It was to this that God called you, for Immanuel himself suffered for you and left you an example, so that you would follow in his steps. GNT
Significance
Ball Don’t Lie (It’s a way of saying “you get what you deserve,” often exclaimed when a fouled player misses their free throws, indicating the “basketball gods” agreed the foul was unjust) – We at VAL-TE’ also believe that you don’t have to personally punish everyone or fix every injustice; a higher power will handle it perfectly. Even if things seem unfair now, trust that God/the universe sees everything and will ensure everyone gets exactly what they deserve in the end – no more, no less. You’re playing a game, but you’re not the referee or the scorekeeper. You just play your best, do what’s right, and trust the ultimate referee (God/the Universe) to call the game fairly at the very end, ensuring all scores are settled perfectly, says the Bible. Focus on being good, kind, and following your principles, because your actions have eternal weight. You are not the judge of your own soul. The final decision on whether a person experiences “eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him” is a divine prerogative, based on God’s perfect justice, mercy, and understanding of the individual’s heart and life.
